Bag Chain Posture Converter for Case Packer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case packers struggle to efficiently pack bag chains longer than the case due to insufficient shortening of the bag chain when folded, as they can only fold the chain by half, leading to the chain being too long for the box.
Innovation Solution
A bag chain posture converter applies force to specific seal portions of the bag chain to incline the bags, shortening the chain's length by adjusting the position and number of application members to apply force, allowing for efficient packing of longer chains into cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the bag chain is folded onto itself at predetermined positions, then the bag chain length is reduced, but the reduced length is still at least half the original length which may exceed the case capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bag chain into multiple segments (folds) that are creased at predetermined positions. By creating multiple fold points along the bag chain, the chain can be divided into smaller manageable sections that can be stacked more compactly, reducing the overall length from L to L/4 or L/6 depending on the number of folds, which is more effective than simple half-folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional folding (simple half-fold) to multi-dimensional compacting by creating multiple fold points that allow the bag chain to be stacked in layers. This dimensional transformation enables the bag chain to occupy less linear space by utilizing vertical stacking arrangements, achieving compactness ratios of 1/4 or 1/6 of the original length.
2Length of moving object
If multiple application members apply force to multiple seal portions, then the bag chain can be more effectively shortened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing application members that can serve multiple functions: they apply force to crease the bag chain at multiple seal portions, and simultaneously function as holding members to secure the folded bag chain in its compacted state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate creasing and holding mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while achieving effective bag chain shortening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the creasing function and the holding function into a unified system of application members. These members are positioned to apply force at multiple seal portions during the folding process and then remain in place to hold the compacted bag chain, combining what would traditionally be separate operations into a single integrated mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bag chain posture converter effectively shortens the chain's length, enabling efficient case packing of chains that exceed the case dimensions by converting the bag chain's posture and holding it securely for placement.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of application members that apply force in a second direction from above or from below to the seal portions
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag chain posture converter that can shorten a bag chain in which a plurality of bags form a continuous chain and a case packer that uses the bag chain posture converter. [Solution] A bag chain posture converter 30 converts the posture of a bag chain 90, in which a plurality of bags 91 form a continuous chain in a first direction D1 via seal portions 92, so that the length of the bag chain 90 in the first direction D1 becomes shorter. The bag chain posture converter 30 has an application member 32 that applies force in a second direction D2 from above or from below to the seal portions 92. The application member 32 applies force in the second direction D2 to only either one of a first seal portion 92a and a second seal portion 92b.